313: Confidence Isn’t the Prerequisite. It’s the Result.
June 22, 2025·24 min·2 clips
Laura faced a conference tech meltdown—no slides, no headset—and delivered her keynote flawlessly from memory.
Host Laura Bernard draws on her 30-year career to challenge the common belief that confidence must precede action. She argues that waiting to feel ready is a trap that holds many project and transformation leaders back from their goals. This episode is a direct response to listeners who say they aren't confident enough to pursue promotions, lead meetings, or speak to executives.
Bernard dismantles the myth that confidence is an innate trait, stating it is instead earned through repeated action. She illustrates this with a detailed story about delivering a keynote at a large conference where the technology failed, requiring her to speak without slides and shorten her talk. Bernard explains she remained calm because she had "done the work" through years of practice. She traces her own journey back to a 2010 panel discussion where she battled intense imposter syndrome with the help of a coach, Mike Hannon. A pivotal moment occurred when an audience comment shifted her focus from her own nerves to serving the listeners' needs.
A key insight is that confidence is a byproduct of competence, which itself comes from taking action despite fear. Bernard emphasizes that the necessary work is often "messy, uncomfortable, and honest," not glamorous. She shares that she built her speaking skills through a high volume of local, often free, engagements before investing in professional training with Heroic Public Speaking. The episode reframes common excuses, comparing not going to the gym because you're not in shape to waiting for confidence before taking professional risks. Bernard introduces her Impact Accelerator Mastermind programs, Momentum and Mastery, as safe spaces for leaders to practice presentations and receive feedback.
She stresses that the goal is not to eliminate fear but to "do it scared" and build a track record of small actions. Bernard concludes that confidence is the result of work, not a prerequisite for it, and challenges listeners to identify one area where they are waiting and to take a step forward. The tone is motivational and instructional, blending personal storytelling with direct coaching advice. It feels like a supportive mentor sharing hard-won lessons in a conversational, encouraging style.
This episode is ideal for project managers, PMO leaders, or anyone in a delivery role who feels stalled by self-doubt or a perceived lack of readiness. Listeners seeking practical, action-oriented psychology for professional growth will find it valuable. Those looking for theoretical discussions or external validation of their hesitancy might find its direct challenge uncomfortable.
